Jenson Button admits that a set-up change he requested just prior to the start of the Japanese Grand Prix severely compromised his race.

Button decided to take off front downforce from his McLaren after his reconnaissance lap heading to the grid at Suzuka.

He admits the decision was a mistake as it left his car sorely lacking in front-end grip for the first two stints of his race.

"On the lap to the grid I felt a lot of front-end [grip] in the car, and I decided to take some out, which was a big mistake," Button said.

"I made it very difficult for myself - my first two stints were awful.

"It hurt me a lot in the first couple of stints and eventually we put a massive amount of front wing on."

Once the problem was rectified, Button said that he enjoyed the battles for position he was engaged in during the latter half of the race despite ultimately only picking up two points for ninth position.

"The last two stints were a lot more fun," he said.

"The balance for the third stint was good and the stint on options at the end was a lot of fun; we were picking off two-stoppers left, right and centre.

"I did a couple of good moves into the chicane on Paul di Resta and Felipe Massa, so it was an enjoyable race in the end."